Health Encyclopedia

Ingrown Toenail

Definition

An ingrown toenail happens when a portion of the toenail curves into the flesh of the toe. It then imbeds itself in the soft tissue. It can occur on any of the toes. However, it usually occurs on one of the big toes.

Causes

Trauma and improper nail care makes the nail curve and overgrow into the flesh of the toe.

Risk Factors

The main risk factor that increases your chances of having ingrown toenails is having family members with ingrown toenails.

Other risk factors include:

Improper cutting or trimming of the toenail

Wearing footwear that is too tight

Repeated trauma to the toes, often due to sports activities

Diabetes

Fungal infections of the toenails

Turner syndrome

Arthritis

Gout

Symptoms

Ingrown toenails often do not cause symptoms at first. Eventually, the following symptoms may develop:

Pain—sometimes severe

Redness

Swelling

Warmth

Pus draining from the area

Diagnosis

In almost all cases, you or your doctor can diagnose an ingrown toenail based on the location and the symptoms.

In rare cases, you may need an
x-ray
. For example, if your doctor suspects an infection may have spread to the toe bone.

Treatment

You may be able to treat an ingrown toenail yourself if you catch it early. If the condition gets worse or does not improve, you will need to seek medical care. If you have diabetes, you must seek medical attention for any infection or wound involving your feet or toes.

Self-care

It may be possible to care for the ingrown toenail. Some of the following may help:

Wearing open-toed shoes or sandals to reduce any pressure on the toenail

Soaking the foot in warm water and drying it thoroughly

Promptly seek medical care for an ingrown toenail if you have any of the following conditions:

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.